spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

also -ˌti-kəl

1

a

: something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining

especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display

b

: an object of curiosity or contempt

made a spectacle of herself

2

spectacles ˈspek-ti-kəlz 

also -ˌti-kəlz

plural : a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses

3

: something (such as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses

Synonyms of spectacle

• pageant
• exhibit
• exhibition
• spectacular
• display
• extravaganza

Examples of spectacle in a Sentence

He peered through his spectacles.

the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games

Recent Examples on the Web

And then there’s the daffy spectacle of the films themselves, with plots beholden to almost avant-garde manipulations of time, space, and reality. —Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026

The Fort Worth herd serves a bigger purpose than just being an exciting spectacle and the Nature Center’s mascot. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026

After a brief separation in 2007 owing to William's reluctance to commit, the two reconciled, became engaged in 2010 and got married in an awe-inspiring wedding spectacle held at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

The musical has been acclaimed for its visual spectacle and its clever use of puppets. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spectacle

• make a spectacle of oneself

Rhymes for spectacle

• dialectical

Kids Definition

spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

1

a

: an unusual or impressive public display

b

: an object of curious or annoyed attention

made a spectacle of yourself at the party

2

plural : glass entry 1 sense 2b

Etymology

Middle English spectacle "spectacle," from early French spectacle (same meaning), from Latin spectaculum (same meaning), from spectare "to watch," from specere "to look, look at" — related to auspice, expect